Planning your will is an essential step for peace of mind. It ensures that your heirs will be taken care of and that any assets will be left to who you want them to be. However, it can be challenging to know what needs to be included in a will. Below are some aspects to talk to your attorney about adding.

Checklist for Creating a Will

1. Beneficiaries

Creating a list of who needs to be included in the will is important. This way, you won't leave anyone out and can be assured that each person receives what you intend to leave for them. Talk to your attorney about any issues surrounding leaving certain items, such as if any of your heirs are under age and a trust will need to be set up.

2. Assets

List out any significant assets you have and the approximate value of each item. You should do the same with any smaller items that hold personal attachment, even if not monetary value, if you plan to have the item go to a specific person.

3. Debts

If you have any outstanding debts, such as student loans, medical bills, or mortgages, you should list the remaining costs and interest amounts. While these debts may not fall to your heirs, they are essential to understand because many will need to be paid off using your estate. 

4. Executor

This is the person in charge of handling your estate and any provisions in your will. While this may be your attorney, it can also be someone else you trust.

5. Guardianship 

If you have children, and they are under age, it is important to have someone designated as their guardian in case of your passing. This is also important if you have any pets, as having a designated place for them to go will ensure they are with someone who will take care of them.

6. Personal Information and Testamentary Intent

To verify that your will is your will, you need to provide some basic personal information about yourself at the beginning. This includes your full name, birth date, and address. The will must also include testamentary intent, which is essentially legal wording that certifies that this is a legal document. It is often as simple as "This is my last will and testament."

7. Witnesses

In addition to your signature, your will must also include the signatures of witnesses to your will. Talk to your attorney about how many witnesses you may need and determine what process you will need to go through to have them witness it.

Understanding the process of creating a legal will can give you peace of mind about your future. Turn to the team at Rutherford Law Office in Chillicothe, OH, for expert help. They work one-on-one with every client to ensure that each unique case is treated with honesty and integrity. Call (740) 775-7434 to schedule a consultation or visit them online to learn more.